Politics of Japan: PM Ishiba’s alliance loses the upper house majority; First damage for LDP in both chambers since 1955

The ruling coalition of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has failed to maintain its majority in the upper house of the Parliament, leading to another significant shock to his government and further political uncertainty.According to Public Broadcaster NHK, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komito decreased in Monday’s decisive election, only one to achieve only 47 seats with one, which was reduced to three out of 50 seats, required to maintain control. The alliance, which was already on 75 seats in the 248-member upper house, required 50 and more to maintain a simple majority of 125. Instead, it now finds itself a minority in both the Houses of Parliament after a uniform loss in the lower house in October. This is the first time after the establishment of LDP in 1955 that the party has lost its majority in both the chambers. Despite the poor performance, Ishiba indicated her intention to live, warning that steps down would make a political void when Japan faces serious challenges, including tariff hazards from the United States. “I will fulfill my responsibility as the head of the number 1 party and work for the country,” Ishiba said in a live interview with NHK, while accepting, “This is a difficult situation. I take it politely and honestly.” LDP, while still the largest party in the diet, won just 39 seats, which is slightly better than an exit poll estimated by 32, but still a disappointing result. Ishiba expected the minimum win, established the benchmark on a simple majority, but admitted that the government’s efforts in rising prices have not yet affected many citizens. The election results do not pose an immediate threat to ISHIBA’s premierership, as the upper house cannot vote a trust. However, it weakens their political situation and can spark internal calls to resign them or create a new alliance, the AP reported. Public frustration has been rising between rising prices, stable wages and high social security costs. Economic dissatisfaction dominated the voters concerns with the increasing investigation of the government’s difficult trend on foreign residents and visitors. A resurrected right -wing populist party also made a profit during the campaign, making the political scenario further complicated. Sunday’s vote followed the earlier defeat of the alliance in the lower House elections, blaming the previous corruption scams and the administration’s failure in quick addressing the economic pressures. As a result, Ishiba’s government has been repeatedly forced into concessions with the opposition to advance the law through diet.Economic angerDisappointed with rising prices, low wages and heavy social security costs, voters said against Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s alliance in the upper house election. The government lost support to fail to reduce the cost of living, especially for the basics such as rice, and for its strict immigration policies that instigated public debate.WeakEfficiency The vote of the upper house of Sunday in the election of the lower house of October after the loss of the ruling alliance in the election of the lower house of October. The administration of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, which was already fired by previous corruption scams, has had to rely on opposition support to pass the law. Failure to implement effective economic relief only accelerates public dissatisfaction.Complicating the problems of the government, US President Donald Trump criticized the lack of progress in business talks. Washington expressed disappointment over limited imports of Japanese American vehicles and rice, despite the domestic shortage of staple grains. A 25% American tariff set to be effective on August 1 adds another layer of pressure on ISHIBA, which opposed the agreement before the election. Now with its alliance in the minority, the possibility of a success remains thin.Voters turn to other partiesVoters rapidly turned to new populist forces. While eight main opposition parties in Japan failed to unite under a general agenda, emerging groups made strong profit. The right-wing Sanyeto party, which is known for its staunch anti-ferringer stance and “Japanese” platform, increased from one to 14 seats. Their agenda includes anti-vaccine, anti-clubic rhetoric and support for traditional gender roles. For the Conservative Democratic Party, People’s (DPP) also witnessed a significant growth, increasing the counting of its seat from four to 17. DPP leader Yuchiro Tamaki said that voters supported him “as a new option”. Meanwhile, Japan’s Central Constitutional Democratic Party (CDPJ) lagged behind.